Good Body Condition Score Research Articles

Prevalence of camel trypanosomosis and herders’ knowledge, attitude, and practices towards the disease in the pastoral area of southern Ethiopia

BackgroundSurra is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi that threatens the health and productivity of camels. Despite its significant impact on camels in Ethiopia, surra has not received as much attention as diseases in cattle and other domestic animals. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of surra, identify the potential risk factors and assess the traditional knowledge, attitude and practices of camel herders towards the disease.MethodsThe study used a parasitological and participatory epidemiological (PE) approach. Between February and July 2022, a total of 335 blood samples were collected from camels across three districts and tested using the buffy coat technique. The PE investigation involved six key informant groups consisting of 8 to 12 key persons, and used a semi-structured interview and various PE tools and principles.ResultThe study found that the prevalence of surra among examined camels was 3.9% (95% CI: 2.1–6.5). The prevalence was significantly higher in camels with a poor body condition score (BCS) (OR = 9.3; 95% CI: 1.8–47.5; p = 0.008) compared with camels with a good BCS. However, district, age, sex, and ethnicity had no effect on the prevalence of surra (p > 0.05). The study also found that the packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) in parasitaemic animals (18.92 ± 2.63) than in aparasitaemic animals (25.13 ± 4.56). Camels with poor BCS (22.7 ± 3.5) had a significantly (p < 0.001) lower mean PCV than camels with good BCS (26.2 ± 5.0). The PE investigation showed that all the camel herders were well aware of surra, known locally as Dhukana. The clinical symptoms, the season of high incidence, routes of transmission, impact on production, and control methods were accurately described. Moreover, this study emphasized that surra is the primary disease affecting camel health and productivity.ConclusionThe study identified a moderate prevalence of surra in the research area. To reduce surra incidence and associated losses, enhancing veterinary services and providing support for proper camel husbandry practices in the region is recommended. Additionally, future studies should consider using more sensitive and specific techniques like serological and molecular assays, as this study relied on microscopy only.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Parasitic Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections of Donkeys in Southern Ethiopia.

Gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites cause sickness and mortality in working donkeys, reducing their productivity. A cross-sectional study was done in the Damot Gale district of southern Ethiopia from November 2020 to June 2021 to determine the frequency of donkey GIT nematode parasite infection and to examine its related risk factors. Overall, 514 simple randomly selected donkeys from peasant associations were sampled for the coprological examination of gastrointestinal nematode infection. The flotation technique was employed to identify parasite eggs in feces. The total prevalence of parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes was 71.79% (95% CI: 67.73-75.52). The most prevalent nematodes were Strongyles (37.74%), Parascaris equorum (11.28%), Strongyloides (7.20%), and combined infections of Strongyles and Parascaris (14.01%) and Strongyles and Strongyloides (1.56%). The association between the prevalence of parasitic GIT nematode infections and body conditions score was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Comparatively, donkeys with semi-intensified systems were five times (OR = 5.36) and those with medium body condition were twice (OR = 1.94) had a higher risk of infection than donkeys with intensive systems and good body condition scores, respectively. In conclusion, the current study indicated that gastrointestinal nematode parasites of donkeys are highly prevalent in the study area. Thus, regular deworming, proper housing, and feeding management were recommended to improve the health and productivity of donkeys in the research area.

A Post-Operative Follow-Up of an Endangered Saltwater Fish Lensectomy for Cataract Management in a Public Aquarium: A Case Series.

Mature cataracts can be a life-threatening condition in fish as it may result in anorexia. Lens extraction has been previously described in fish, but the long-term outcome of this procedure has not been evaluated. Eleven captive-bred adult fish housed in a public aquarium presented with unilateral (n = 3/11) or bilateral (n = 8/11) mature cataracts. All cases belonged to three endangered fish populations: striped bass (Morone saxatilis) originating from the Saint Lawrence River and Atlantic and spotted wolffish (Anarhichas lupus and Anarhichas minor). Pre-operatively, fish presented with anorexia, dark discoloration, abnormal position in the water column, skin abrasions, and/or decreased body condition scores. A lensectomy was performed in eleven fish, including a bilateral procedure in four fish, corresponding to fifteen eyes. Follow-up examinations were performed one to two weeks and one year post surgery. The main complication was self-resolving: corneal edema was present in 67% of eyes, persistent after a week in 47% of eyes, and resolved thereafter. Post-operatively, 73% of fish resumed feeding and regained a good body condition score. Persistent visual impairment post-surgery associated with anorexia required euthanasia in three out of eleven cases. The median time of death was 336 days post surgery (range: 27-1439 days) and three cases were still alive 1334 to 1425 days after the lensectomy. This was considered a favorable outcome for these older individuals with concurrent diseases.

Guia de classificação da condição corporal em vacas de corte

The use of predictive techniques based on image acquisition at field level is presented to improve livestock production. With this, the farmer can plan the management of the herd and the need for supplemental feeding. The use of the Body Condition Score (BCS) measured by visual assessment has been proposed as a method of subjective evaluation of the nutritional status of cattle. Studies show that a good BCS at calving allows increases in the order of 10 to 15% in the following pregnancy rate of the herd. This increase has a significant impact on farm productivity. Although the benefits of the visual assessment scale are recognized, the percentage of breeders using this tool is still low, the main reason being the lack of trained raters to record the BCS. The objective of this study was to develop a practical, repetitive, and non-invasive method to evaluate BCS through a guided grading process using images taken in the field. The results show that the BCS determination method proposed in this paper is presented as a simple and economical tool to evaluate BCS, so that it can be accepted by the breeder for its simplicity and benefits. Additionally, it can serve as a tutorial for the acquisition of experience in calibrating BCS in breeding cows.

Hemato-biochemical profile of indigenous Badri cattle of Uttarakhand

Badri cattle is the first registered cattle breed of Uttarakhand and reared in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. The study was undertaken with the objective of establishing the normal reference values of certain haematological and biochemical parameters in Badri cattle maintained at Instructional Dairy Farm of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. Healthy animals (40) aged between 4 to 8 years, having good body condition score (BCS) and 200-250 kg body weight were selected randomly and blood samples were collected. The haematological parameters such as haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leucocyte count (TLC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), differential leukocyte count (DLC), Neutrophil: lymphocyte (N: L), and absolute leucocyte count (ALC) were estimated. The biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin: globulin (A:G), urea, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL (High density lipoprotein), LDL (Low density lipoprotein), total bilirubin, ALT (Alanine aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate transaminase), ALP (Alkaline phosphatase), GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase) and CK (Creatinine kinase) were also estimated. The normal haematological and biochemical values established in the present study could be helpful in the diagnosis of certain ailments in Badri cattle and the values would also be useful for academic purposes.

&lt;i&gt;Corrigendum to&lt;/i&gt;: Production and performance of commercial beef breeding females in northern Australia. 4. Factors influencing the occurrence of lactating cows becoming pregnant within 4 months of calving

&lt;sec&gt; Context Sound reproductive efficiency is a key determinant for the overall productivity of a beef breeding business. For beef breeding herds to obtain high levels of reproductive productivity, breeding females need to efficiently become pregnant while lactating. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Aims This study aimed to determine and quantify the major factors associated with lactating cows becoming pregnant within 4months of calving (P4M) in commercial beef breeding herds of northern Australia. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Methods A prospective epidemiological study was conducted using 78 commercial northern Australian beef breeding herds and involved 78&amp;#x2009;000 cattle that were monitored for 3&amp;#x2013;4years. A multivariable model-building process was employed to scrutinise the resulting dataset to identify what herd-management practices, and nutritional, environmental and individual cow factors were major determinants of lactating cows becoming pregnant within 4months of calving (P4M) and to estimate their magnitudes of effect. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Key results Overall, 41.6% of cows per production year were successful for P4M. Country type was strongly associated with 65.4%, 57.5%, 61.8% and 16.4% P4M for the Southern Forest, Central Forest, Northern Downs, and Northern Forest respectively. Between-year variability ranged between 3.3 and 11.7 percentage points. Cows calving in December&amp;#x2013;January (61%) had a substantially higher occurrence of P4M than did cows calving between July and September (15%). The difference in P4M when comparing availability of wet-season pasture protein and phosphorus was 12.7 and 20.3 percentage points respectively. Modelling of the impact of group seroprevalence and management group prevalence of recent infection with several infectious diseases was estimated, with a large negative association between group bovine viral diarrhoea seroprevalence and P4M suggested. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Conclusions This study further demonstrated the substantial impact that environment, herd management practices, nutrition and disease factors can have on the reproductive performance of females. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Implications To optimise the performance of females (through increasing the occurrence of cows contributing calves in consecutive years) under commercial conditions in northern Australia, herd managers should focus on maximising the proportion of cows within a herd calving at the desired time of the year, ensuring that any nutritional deficiencies and herd health issues are managed, and that cows are managed such that they are of good body condition score at the time of calving. &lt;/sec&gt;

Efficiency evaluation of two estrus synchronization protocols in estrus response and conception rate of dairy cows in the Dalocha district, Ethiopia

The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of single and double-shot estrus synchronization protocols on conception and estrus response rates in dairy cows. Among 195 sampled female animals, only 174 cows and heifers met a standard of the protocols. Animals were prepared for hormone injections based on their breed, parity number, and body condition score (BCS). Among 174 sampled animals, 120 were indigenous and the rest 54 were crossbreds, and 143 cows and 31 heifers were selected for single alfagladin C (Cloprostenol) injections. Whereas, 16 of them were given double alfagladin C (Cloprostenol) injections when they did not showed estrus prior to single injection. All data was collected and analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. Through observation, inspection and rectal palpation, 90.8% of 174 synchronized animals showed estrus response with a single dose, whereas 16 of them (100%) showed estrus response with double injections. Overall, 48.3% of cows and heifers became pregnant. The conception rate of cows/heifers varied significantly through each protocol, with 50% of animals conceived by double injection treatment and 48.1% of cows conceived through single shot treatment. Additionally, there was a substantial difference in estrus response across breeds, BCS, and parity number. Furthermore, the rates of conception in local and crossbred cows were 40.8 and 64.8%, respectively. In terms of body condition, a high conception rate (58.6%) was observed in the good body condition score. The conception rate and estrus response were significantly different in parity number. In general, the double protocol outperform than the single protocol in terms of estrus and conception rate. Accordingly, stakeholders or artificial insemination technicians might apply double protocols after a single injection to obtain remarkable results. Nevertheless, strict follow-up is required, and more resources at the farmer's management level are required.

Treatment protocols for claw horn lesions and their impact on lameness recovery, pain sensitivity, and lesion severity in moderately lame primiparous dairy cows.

This study aims to investigate the effects of routine treatment protocols for claw horn disruptive lesions (CHDL) on lameness recovery rates, pain sensitivity, and lesion severity in moderately lame primiparous cows. A cohort of first parity cows was recruited from a single commercial dairy herd and randomly allocated to five treatments, comprising four lame groups (LTNB, LTN, LTB, and LT) and a single group non-lame group. Eligibility criteria for the lame cows included a first lameness score (score 3/5), presence of CHDL on a single foot, good body condition score of 3.0 to 3.5, and no history of previous lameness. LTNB received a combination of therapeutic trim, administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID; Ketoprofen) for 3 days, and hoof block on the healthy claw. Both LTN and LTB received the same treatment as LTNB without hoof block and NSAID, respectively. LT received only a therapeutic trim, whereas non-LT (negative control) received either a therapeutic or preventive trim. Pain sensitivity was assessed using the limb withdrawal reflex while lesion severity was recorded using the International Committee Animal Records (ICAR) Atlas guide. The enrolled cows were observed at weekly intervals, and the primary outcomes were assessed 28 days after treatment. The number (%) of recovered cows was 15 of 20 (75%), 13 of 21 (61.9%), 6 of 14 (42.9%), and 6 of 15 (40%) for LTNB, LTN, LTB, and LT, respectively. LTNB had significantly higher odds of successful treatment (OR = 4.5; 95% 1.1-19.1) compared to LT. Pain sensitivity based on limb withdrawal reflex was absent in a significantly higher number of cows (15/20; 75.0%) in LTNB compared to LTB and LT. LTB had a significantly lower lesion severity score in comparison to LTN. Overall, cows with limb withdrawal at day 28 after treatment were less likely (OR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.24) to develop a non-lame score. In conclusion, the treatment with therapeutic trim, hoof block, and NSAID led to better recovery and reduced pain sensitivity in moderately lame primiparous cows with good BCS compared to those that received only therapeutic trim. Further research on the changes within the hoof capsule following various treatment protocols is needed to elucidate the clinical benefits observed in this study.

Lesion Characterizations, Associated Risk Factors and Financial Implication of Zoonotic Hydatid Cyst of Dromedary Camels Slaughtered at Addis Ababa, Akaki Kality Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia

Hydatid cyst, is zoonotic helminthic parasites of Taeniid families having significant economic crisis in the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 to characterize hydatid cyst lesions, analysis of associated risk factors and estimate annual direct financial loss due to hydatid cyst infected organs condemnation during postmortem examination in dromedary camels slaughtered at Addis Ababa, Akaki Kality Municipal abattoir, Ethiopia. A total of 370 camels were purposively sampled and systemic meat inspection was employed to detect the presence of hydatid cyst. Out of 370 hydatid cysts like cases examined in different organs, 96 (25.9%) camels were found harboring hydatid cyst. The percentage of hydatid cyst in adult camels were 29.67%; OR= 1.54 while in young it was 18.55%. Likewise, the prevalence of hydatid cyst in poor, medium and good body condition score was 61.4%; OR= 10.79, 30.89%; OR= 3.30 and 12.11% respectively. Results indicated that age and body condition score had statically significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on prevalence of hydatid cyst. The overall prevalence of hydatid cyst in male dromedary camel was (14.59%; OR=0.83;) found higher than female (11.35%). The overall prevalence of hydatid cyst in camels originated from Borana, East Hararge, Jigjiga, Karrayyu, Matahara, Minjar-shenkora and Wollo were 9.18%, 0.54%; OR= 2.12, 4.86%; OR= 2.06, 3.51%; OR= 1.18, 3.78%; OR= 0.94, 1.08%; OR= 0.78 and 2.97%; OR= 1.31, respectively. Result indicated, origin and sex didn’t have significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on the overall prevalence of hydatid cyst. Out of 96 total infected camels, only 9 (9.38%) cases had hydatid cyst on both lung and liver while the remaining 87 (90.62%) cases had hydatid cysts only in single organs. Of 105 total infected organs, percentage of distribution of hydatid cyst in lungs, livers, spleen and heart were 87.61%, 10.47%, 0.95% and 0.95% respectively. Result showed that out of 105 examined organs of camels, 51 organs harboring less than three hydatid cysts number while 54 organs had greater than or equal to three hydatid cysts. Grossly, hydatid cyst of lung had a shape of cotton ball, implanted in lung parenchyma, filled with clear to slightly turbid fluid, soft and malleable to touch and inside white germinal layer while hydatid cyst on the livers was firm, calcified and strong when it was about to be cut off. Microscopically, hydatid cyst structure overlying organs had a fibrous layer on the external (pericyst), an acellular eosinophilic laminated membrane layer on the middle (ectocyst) and a germinal layer internally (endocyst) and protoscolices were also seen in a lung section. Fibrous layer had infiltration of epitheliod macrophages, lymphocytes and eosinophils showed inflammatory reaction response to hydatid cyst layer and cellular infiltration was lessened when they went away from hydatid cysts. Histopathology of lung infected with hydatid cyst displayed massive alveolar damage, some alveoli was emphysematous, congested capillary, hemorrhage and atelectasis in the fibrous layer. In hydatid cyst infected liver histology, there was hemorrhage, hepatocyte degeneration and cytoplasmic swelling with dilation of nucleus in fibrous layer. Microscopically, hydatid cyst infected heart had not a visible protoscolices and it had weak germinal and lamination layer followed by lymphocyte and epitheloid macrophages infiltration. The total annual direct financial loss due to hydatid cyst was estimated at 86,209.63 Ethiopian birr. Hereafter, this study helps to stress the economic consequences and pathological patterns of hydatid cysts at abattoir, and creation of public awareness and control of stray dogs in order to reduce infection by the parasite were suggested recommendation.

Occurrence of Gross Lesions and Cysts on the Lungs of Cattle Slaughtered At the Asella Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia

A total of 384 randomly selected cattle were examined for the presence of gross lesions and cysts, according to standard inspection procedures for developing countries. Out of the total 384 male cattle presented for slaughter, 303 (79.3%) of the lungs of cattle had different gross lesions and cysts. Hydatid cyst (40.9%), emphysema (15.4%), congestion (12.2%) and calcification were the major gross lesions and cysts found in the lungs. Cattle with an older age (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.10–2.78; p = 0.018) and a poor body condition score (OR = 6.10; 95% CI = 2.29–16.59; p = 0.001) were more likely to have hydatidosis and calcified cysts than cattle with a younger age and a good body condition score. Furthermore, emphysema and congestion were more common in crossbred cattle (OR = 2.57; 95%CI = 1.19–5.28; p = 0.012) and younger cattle (OR = 2.87; 95%CI = 1.40–5.83; p = 0.004), respectively. The hydatid cyst was the most common cyst and the cause of lung condemnation in the Asella municipal abattoir. Therefore, better meat inspection procedures, proper lung disposal systems, and preventing the entrance of stray dogs to the abattoir would reduce the prevalence and transmission of diseases to humans.

Prevalence and economic connotation of bovine and caprine hydatidosis at Abergele International Export Slaughterhouse, Mekele, Tigray Region

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018 to investigate the prevalence and economic significance of bovine and caprine hydatidosis at Abergelle international export slaughterhouse, Mekele, Tigray region. This study has been carried out based on antemortem and postmortem examinations. Among the 940 cattle and goats examined, 104 (11.06%) were found to be positive for hydatid cyst. Whereas, from 520 slaughtered cattle and 420 goats, 86 (16.54%) and18 (4.29%) were positive for hydatid cyst, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the prevalence of hydatidosis in cattle with different body condition scores (55.34% in poor and 6.25% in good body condition). The same holds true for goats (14.28% in poor body condition and 0.97% in good body condition score). But the variation was not significant concerning the age and origin of the animals. From examined organs, 55 (10.57%) of the lung, and 31 (5.96%) of the liver of cattle were positive. However, in goats, 13 (3.09%) lungs and 5 (1.19%) livers were positive for the cyst. The cyst viability and fertility test indicated that 28 (32.56%) cysts were fertile in cattle while 53 (61.28%) were infertile and 5 (5.81%) were calcified. Of these 28 fertile cysts in cattle, 8 (28.57%) were viable and 20 (71.43%) were non-viable. In goats, 13 (72.2%) were fertile, 4 (22.2%) were infertile and 1 (5.6%) was calcified. Of these 13 fertile cysts in goats, 8(61.54%) were viable and 5(38.5%) were non-viable. The annual economic loss estimated for bovine and caprine hydatidosis was 2,101,540.2 and 65,897.9 ETB, respectively. The annual financial loss recorded altogether by hydatidosis of cattle and goats at Abergelle International Export Slaughterhouse was estimated to be 2,167,438.1 ETB. In conclusion, hydatidosis is a major cause of organ and carcass condemnation and financial loss at the Abergelle export slaughterhouse. The prevalence of hydatidosis was high in cattle compared to goats and in both species; the lung was the most frequently affected organ by hydatid cyst followed by the liver.

Reproductive diseases and disorders of dairy cows in the Gazipur district

Reproductive diseases and disorders of dairy cows significantly reduce their productivity which is of great concern to dairy producers because most reproductive disorders adversely affect future fertility. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of reproductive diseases and disorders in dairy cows at Gazipur Sadar Upazila of Bangladesh. A total of 2430 dairy cows from total 150 small (&lt;10 dairy cows) and large scale (&gt;10 dairy cows) dairy farms were studied using predesigned questionnaires during January 2016 to December 2018. Twenty reproductive diseases and disorders were diagnosed. Among them, the major reproductive diseases and disorders were anestrous, mastitis, repeat breeding, metritis, retained placenta, and the minor problems were heat detection diseases and disorders. Total incidence of reproductive diseases and disorders was 21.51%, among the major reproductive diseases and disorders, incidence of anoestrus 6.79%, mastitis 3.66%, repeat breeding 3.20%, metritis 2.34%, retained placenta 1.31% and heat detection 1.06%. The highest occurrence of reproductive disease was anoestrus in dairy cows with low body condition score (BCS ≤ 2) than that with fair (2.5) and good (≥3-3.5) body condition scores. Anoestrus, mastitis, and repeat breeder should get top priority considering reproductive diseases and disorders research to gain more knowledge to control them in the study area context. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2022, 47(1): 95-101

Effect of Breed and Risk Factors Affecting Conception Rate to Artificial Insemination in Dairy Cows of Tullo District Western Haraghe, Ethiopia

Aim This study was conducted using the questionnaire method to assess the effect of breed and factors affecting conception rate on artificial insemination in dairy cows in Tullo district, Western Haraghe, Ethiopia. Methods A follow-up study design was conducted from December 2018 to June 2019 to determine the effect of breed and factors affecting conception rate to artificial insemination in dairy cows, taking breed, age, parity, body condition and timing of insemination as risk factors. The demographic factors were recorded by interviewing the owners. Most of the cows were examined for pregnancy diagnosis by rectal palpation of the genital tract at 60-80-days post-artificial insemination. Results Out of 114 artificially inseminated cows/heifers, 59 became pregnant, giving an overall first service conception rate of 51.8%. Although the breed, age, parity and body condition score did not affect the conception rate significantly, the pregnancy rate was better in the cross-breed (62.5%), in cows of 5-7-years of age (54.6%), in cows of parity 2-3 (59.2%) and in cows of good body condition score (57.7%). The conception rate in cows inseminated at 12-18-hours after the onset of estrus was significantly higher (62.3%) than those inseminated after 18-hours (31.2%) and before 12-hours (52.4%) after the onset of estrus. Therefore, cows with good body condition score (BCS) and artificial insemination (AI) service at 12-18-hours after the onset of estrus are the best choice of selection for obtaining the best result in the first service conception rate to AI in dairy cows/heifers. Conclusion This study reveals that the conception rate was influenced by the time of AI, so awareness should be given to cattle owners, as they should give AI for their cattle at optimum time within 12-18-hours after onset of heat sign.

Immune Response After Rabies Vaccination in Owned Free-Roaming Domestic Dogs in Flores Island, Indonesia.

Vaccination is the main tool to prevent the circulation of rabies in dog populations. The development of an immune response after vaccination differs between individual dogs and depends on many factors such as dog characteristics, management, or genetics. Here, we first investigated the level of, and associated factors for, the presence of binding antibodies in 130 healthy dogs from Flores Island, Indonesia. Secondly, we identified factors associated with the development of binding antibodies within 30 days after vaccination among a subsample of dogs that had a binding antibody titre <0.5 EU/ml at the day of vaccination (D0, N = 91). Blood samples were collected from the individual dogs immediately before vaccination at D0 and 30 days after vaccination (D30). The rabies antibody titres were determined using ELISAs. Information on potential risk factors such as the dog's age and sex, history of vaccination, type and frequency of feeding, and BCS (body condition score) were gathered during interviews at D0. Regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of binding antibody titre ≥0.5 EU/ml at D0 for the 130 dogs and the development of binding antibody titre ≥0.5EU/ml at D30 for the 91 dogs. The results showed that the proportion of dogs with antibody titre ≥0.5 EU/ml was 30% (39/130) at D0. The only factors found to be significantly influencing the presence of binding antibodies titres ≥0.5 EU/ml was previous vaccination within 1 year before D0 [46.8 vs. 14.7%, Odds ratio (OR) = 3.6, 95%CI 1.5–9.3; p-value = 0.006], although the same trend was found for dogs of higher age and better BCS. Eighty-six percent (79/91) of dogs whose rabies binding antibody level was <0.5 EU/ml at D0 had developed an adequate immune response (≥0.5 EU/ml) at D30. Almost a significantly higher proportion developed an adequate immune response in dogs of good BCS compared to those of poor BCS (95.3% vs. 79.2%, OR = 4.7, 95%CI 1.1–32.5; p-value = 0.057. Twelve (13.2%) dogs retain binding antibody level <0.5 EU/ml at D30, indicating poor immune response after vaccination. A majority of them did not receive vaccine before D0 according to the owner and had poor BCS (83.3%; 10/12). Our findings show the high effectiveness of rabies vaccine in under field conditions to develop measurable immunity and the importance of a good BCS, often achievable by good dog keeping conditions, for developing efficient immunity after parenteral vaccination in dogs.

Development of resilience indicator traits based on daily step count data for dairy cattle breeding

BackgroundResilient animals are minimally affected by disturbances, such as diseases and heat stress, and quickly recover. Daily activity data can potentially indicate resilience, because resilient animals likely keep variations due to disturbances that threat animal homeostasis at a low magnitude. We used daily step count of cows to define resilience indicators based on theory, exploratory analysis and literature, and then investigated if they can be used to genetically improve resilience by estimating heritability and repeatability, and genetic associations with other resilience-related traits, i.e. health traits, longevity, fertility, and body condition score (BCS).ResultsTwo groups of resilience indicators were defined: indicators describing (1) mean step count at different lactation stages for individual cows, and (2) fluctuations in step count from individual step count curves. Heritability estimates were highest for resilience indicators describing mean step count, from 0.22 for the 2-week period pre-partum to 0.45 for the whole lactation. High mean step count was consistently, but weakly, genetically correlated with good health, fertility, and longevity, and high BCS. Heritability estimates of resilience indicators describing fluctuations ranged from 0.01 for number of step count drops to 0.15 for the mean of negative residuals from individual curves. Genetic correlations with health traits, longevity, fertility, and BCS were mostly weak, but were moderate and favorable for autocorrelation of residuals (− 0.33 to − 0.44) and number of step count drops (− 0.44 to − 0.56) with hoof health, fertility, and BCS. Resilience indicators describing variability of residuals and mean of negative residuals showed strong genetic correlations with mean step count (0.86 to 0.95, absolute), which suggests that adjustment for step count level is needed. After adjustment, ‘mean of negative residuals’ was highly genetically correlated with hoof health, fertility, and BCS.ConclusionsMean step count, autocorrelation and mean of negative residuals showed most potential as resilience indicators based on resilience theory, heritability, and genetic associations with health, fertility, and body condition score. Other resilience indicators were heritable, but had unfavorable genetic correlations with several health traits. This study is an important first step in the exploration of the use of activity data to breed more resilient livestock.

Effect of calving season on the parameters and components of the lactation curve in Holstein dairy cows managed in a semi-desert climate.

The lactation curve in dairy cows is influenced by the calving season, which is highly dependent on the warm climate in semi-arid regions. Objective herein was to evaluate effects of calving season on the parameters and components of the lactation curve in Holstein cows. The study included 278,317 milk records collected from 1086 cows from the 1st to 5th calving and good body condition score. The cows were grouped according to the season in which they calved: winter-calved (CS1), summer-calved (CS2), and autumn-calved cows (CS3). Ambient temperature and humidity data were used to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). The NLIN procedure was used to estimate the parameters of the lactation curve that served to calculate the components. The mixed procedure was executed to analyze the fixed effect of calving season. Associations between lactation curve traits were tested using correlation and regression analyses. A univariate model was utilized to calculate heritability. Average THI values during the lactation period were 73.5, 68.5, and 69.5 units for CS1, CS2, and CS3 groups, respectively. Initial milk production and increasing rate to the maximum milk yield in CS1 and CS3 groups were higher (P < 0.05) than CS2 cows. However, persistency and total milk yield during the entire lactation period were superior (P < 0.05) for CS2 and CS3 cows compared to CS1 cows, probably due to the moderate heat stress during the lactation period in the CS1 group. In cows from CS2 and CS3 groups, total milk production at 305days was moderately correlated with initial milk production (r = 0.47; P < 0.05), and highly correlated with milk yield at peak day (r = 0.91; P < 0.05) which resulted as reliable predictor for total milk yield during the entire lactation (R2 = 0.83). In conclusion, the THI prevailing during the differentcalving seasons appeared to be an important factor influencing the performance of the lactation curve.

Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis and its Financial Loss at Gulliso Slaughter House, West Wallaga Zone Western Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study conducted in Guliso, from September 2021 to June 2022 sought to identify the kind and prevalence of common Fasciola species in cattle as well as the financial damage resulting from liver condemnation. The study's foundation was a post-mortem examination of the livers of animals that had been killed at the abattoir in the Guliso municipality and its environs. 384 study animals were chosen for post-mortem examination using random systematic sampling procedures in this investigation. In the study, 128 (33.3%) cows had bovine fasciolosis overall. 54 animals (14.1%) had Fasciola gigantica, 49 animals (12.3%) had Fasciola hepatica, and 25 animals (6.5%) had mixed infections. Within the various body condition ratings, there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis. Animals with poor and medium body condition ratings had the highest prevalence (96%) and lowest prevalence (84.7%), respectively, whereas animals with good body condition scores had the lowest prevalence (9.73%). Regarding age, sex, and animal origin, there was no statistically significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis. The estimated yearly financial loss at the abattoir resulting from liver condemnation linked to liver flukes was 138,528 Ethiopian birr. Given the current findings, fasciolosis may be viewed as a serious issue in the area and its environs since the ecological parameters and management circumstances support the survival of both the parasite and its intermediate host, the snail. To prevent pasture contamination and lower the worm burden from affected animals, strategic treatments must be applied at the right time. To maximize the long-term returns from such endemic locations, integrated control techniques involving livestock owners must be developed to reduce the population and activity of snail intermediate hosts.

Production and performance of commercial beef breeding females in northern Australia. 4. Factors influencing the occurrence of lactating cows becoming pregnant within 4 months of calving

Context Sound reproductive efficiency is a key determinant for the overall productivity of a beef breeding business. For beef breeding herds to obtain high levels of reproductive productivity, breeding females need to efficiently become pregnant while lactating. Aims This study aimed to determine and quantify the major factors associated with lactating cows becoming pregnant within 4 months of calving (P4M) in commercial beef breeding herds of northern Australia. Methods A prospective epidemiological study was conducted using 78 commercial northern Australian beef breeding herds and involved 78 000 cattle that were monitored for 3–4 years. A multivariable model-building process was employed to scrutinise the resulting dataset to identify what herd-management practices, and nutritional, environmental and individual cow factors were major determinants of lactating cows becoming pregnant within 4 months of calving (P4M) and to estimate their magnitudes of effect. Key results Overall, 41.6% of cows per production year were successful for P4M. Country type was strongly associated with 65.4%, 57.5%, 61.8% and 16.4% P4M for the Southern Forest, Central Forest, Northern Downs, and Northern Forest respectively. Between-year variability ranged between 3.3 and 11.7 percentage points. Cows calving in December–January (61%) had a substantially higher occurrence of P4M than did cows calving between July and September (15%). The difference in P4M when comparing availability of wet-season pasture protein and phosphorus was 12.7 and 20.3 percentage points respectively. Modelling of the impact of group seroprevalence and management group prevalence of recent infection with several infectious diseases was estimated, with a large negative association between group bovine viral diarrhoea seroprevalence and P4M suggested. Conclusions This study further demonstrated the substantial impact that environment, herd management practices, nutrition and disease factors can have on the reproductive performance of females. Implications To optimise the performance of females (through increasing the occurrence of cows contributing calves in consecutive years) under commercial conditions in northern Australia, herd managers should focus on maximising the proportion of cows within a herd calving at the desired time of the year, ensuring that any nutritional deficiencies and herd health issues are managed, and that cows are managed such that they are of good body condition score at the time of calving.

Study on Prevalence of Trypanosomosis in Cattle of Sodo Zuriya District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Background Trypanosomosis is a significant impediment to Ethiopia's livestock and farm production, adding adversely to the overall growth of agriculture in general and the nation's food self-reliance efforts in particular. Methods Cross-sectional research was performed on the prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle and the distinction of Trypanosoma species and potential factors in six selected provinces of the Sodo zuriya district in southern Ethiopia. Blood samples from the ear vein of 400 local and exotic cattle species were taken randomly. A hematocrit reader was used after centrifugation at 12,000 rpm for a five-minute assessment of anemic conditions of animals, and the anemia of the thin blood spraying and buffy coat procedure was tested to assess the incidence, detection, and packaging of Trypanosoma and the cell volume of each sampled animal. Results Accordingly, twenty cattle were positive for trypanosomosis, with an overall proportion of 5.0%. From this overall prevalence, Trypanosoma congolense (3.3%) and Trypanosoma vivax (1.8%) were the two common Trypanosoma species in this study. The highest and the lowest prevalence of trypanosomes occurred in Guttuto Larena (35%) and Dalbo Wogane (0.00%), respectively. Age-wise prevalence revealed that young adults (45%) were the most affected, followed by old adults (35%) and adults (20%). Cattle with poor body condition scores (65%) were the most affected, followed by cattle with medium (30%) and good (5%) body condition scores, and this was found to be statistically significant (p ≤ 0.002). In addition, the variation in packed cell volume (PCV) between infected and noninfected cattle was significantly different (p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusion Thus, the present study revealed the predominance of bovine trypanosomosis in the region and had a significant effect on body condition and anemia growth. The government and public should then collaborate in parasite-observed areas on the disease's management and prevention efforts in an environmentally sustainable way.

Bovine Trypanosomiasis Epidemiology and Tsetse Fly Density in Jimma Arjo District, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

BackgroundBovine trypanosomosis remains a vital livestock disease and constraint which is intimidating livestock health and production, regardless of ongoing tsetse and trypanosomosis control struggles in Jimma Arjo district, East Wollega zone, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with the objective of determining prevalence of cattle trypanosomiasis and apparent tsetse fly density in six randomly selected peasant associations of Jimma Arjo District from April 2018 to January 2019.ResultsFrom overall 819 arbitrarily selected cattle (n= 36; 4.39%), infection rate was recorded. Selected animals were invariably infested with different trypanosome species among which Tryapanosoma congolense (80.55%) was the most common, followed by T. vivax (11.11%), T. brucei (5.55%) respectively. Co-infection of T. vivax and T. congolense accounted for 2.77% of total infection rate. This finding indicates a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) among good, medium, and poor body condition animals with respect to Tryapanosomosis infection rate. Poor body condition animals were highly infected with trypanosome parasite as compared to medium and good body condition score animals. This study shows statistically significant association was obtained between mean packed cell volume (PCV) and trypanosomiasis infection rate (P<0.05). The lower mean PCV value (21.14%) were highly affected as compared with high mean PCV value animals (25.26%). The result of entomological survey, by using mono pyramidal traps deployed near animal grazing field and rivers of selected peasant association (PA), showed presence of four Glossina species namely Glossina morsitans, G. pallidipes, G. tachinoides, and G. fuscipes with high fly density per trap in Meta PA. Higher catches of G. fuscipes were registered as compared to other vectors.ConclusionGenerally, this study indicated the disease is still a main problem for livestock health and production in the study area and it necessitates disease and tsetse fly control.